The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State.
Prof. Olayemi Akinwunmi, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Lokoja and the Returning Officer, made the announcement at INEC headquarters in Akure on Saturday at about 3 PM.
Aiyedatiwa received 366,781 votes, defeating his closest rival, Ajayi Agboola of the PDP, who secured 117,845 votes. Dr. Abbas Mimiko of the ZLP came in third with just 2,692 votes. A total of 508,963 votes were cast.
Victory Speech
In his victory speech, Aiyedatiwa said he was grateful for the support he received. “I stand before you this day, on the threshold of history, to accept the results of the 2024 gubernatorial elections. I feel greatly humbled and honored by this renewed mandate.”
He also pledged his commitment to an inclusive government: “As your Governor, I promise to continue to run an inclusive and participatory government, where every citizen has a voice and an opportunity to contribute to our collective progress.” Aiyedatiwa assured citizens that he would prioritize their welfare and work towards economic growth.
The governor-elect praised INEC for conducting a “free, fair, and credible election” and thanked the security agencies for maintaining peace. He acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing leadership and a level playing field during the elections.
Aiyedatiwa called on his opponents, including Agboola Ajayi, to collaborate to build a better Ondo State. He stressed the importance of unity, saying, “Now that the elections are over, it is time to rededicate ourselves to the service of our dear State.”
The APC had strong showings in several local government areas, with significant victories, including a notable win in Akoko North East, where the APC secured 25,657 votes against the PDP’s 5,072 votes.
With his election confirmed, Aiyedatiwa said his administration plans to focus on fostering progress in Ondo State for future generations, promising to make it a “beacon of hope and prosperity.”
Gov Aiyedatiwa was the former Deputy Governor to the late former Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu until his demise. He now assumed the governorship role on December 27, 2023.
That concludes JolibaLive News! limited coverage of the Ondo State gubernatorial election.
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